Louie Giglio has written one of the best books to show you how to know your enemy and the tricks he uses to gain access to your life. Copyrighted in 2021, Don’t Give The Enemy A Seat At Your Table, takes a look at just about everyone’s favorite chapter in the Bible—Psalm 23. Then, Louie Giglio brings your focus in on one main verse:
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.…” Psalm 23:5a (NASB)
The book begins telling about a rough time that Mr. Giglio was having with people, while he was trying to plant a new church. He texted a friend to hopefully have him commensurate about the situation. Instead the friend texted back the title of this book.
“Don’t give the Enemy a seat at your table.”
Louie Giglio points out how this verse gives you a big picture look at life—God prepares a table of amazing food for you. It is God’s table. God owns the table. But, that table is in the middle of your enemies.
At that table you can find peace, rest, restoration, and fellowship with God. Even surrounded with your enemies. But, you can also accidentally let your enemy come right over and take a seat at your table. The choice is made in your mind. The thought processes expressed in this book reminds me so much of another book I reviewed recently entitled The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, by W. Lee Warren, MD. These two books would make a great combo for your library if you are looking to change your life and get closer to God. I’ll link that post below.
https://janehgreen.com/book-clubs-and-self-brain-surgery/
Now, back to Louie Giglio’s book. I want to give you a quote that sums up the intention of the book. The author says, “I want to help you see that you have power, through Jesus Christ, to take authority over who sits at your table—over who influences your thinking. You can…control your thoughts and emotions. You don’t need to be trapped by fear, despair, or rage. Your mind doesn’t have to be stressed…. The table He’s prepared for you is one of peace, clarity, and abundance.” (p. 11)
The author also stresses that we need to learn a “difficult truth.” That truth is—”Life is hard, yet Jesus invites us to follow Him anyway.” And that we need to develop “An even though…I will” kind of faith. (p. 15) A faith that “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,”—I will—”fear no evil, for You are with me!” Psalm 23:4 (NASB)
He gives examples of a few “even though” examples:
- Even though I am under intense financial pressure…
- Even though my spouse is with another person right now…
- Even though we are in a global crisis…
- Even though______________…(p. 19)
The following quote is so important for us to get:
“This passage depicts God as a personal and attentive Shepherd. One who intimately cares for the sheep yet is tough enough to defend them against attacks. This Shepherd will make sure you are rested and well fed. But He’ll also beat back all those who threaten your safety and well-being. In time, we see this Shepherd most clearly in the person of Jesus Christ. In John 10:1-21 Jesus outlined how He Himself is the Good Shepherd. Jesus knows His sheep—us…. He laid down His life for us. He guides us….” (p.21) And, “He shows you how to deal with your enemies so they don’t tear you apart inside.” (p.23)
I’m going to end this blog with something that Louie Giglio shares with us about the second part of verse 5: “thou anointest my head with Oil; my cup runneth over.” (KJV)
Got Questions tells us that, “An ancient custom of hospitality and respect shown to esteemed dinner guests was for the host to anoint his invitee’s head with oil. The oil was mixed with fragrant perfumes to refresh and soothe weary travelers….. In Psalm 23:5, David said to the Lord, ‘You anoint my head with oil’ because he regarded himself as the Lord’s special guest. David had been invited to dine now and forever at the Lord’s table….”
But, Mr. Giglio shows another way to look at the anointing of your head with oil that these verses promise.
This is so interesting!
“The biggest nemesis for a sheep wasn’t the big, bad wolf… but tiny parasites and flies. The flies, little harbingers of aggravation, would attempt to lay their eggs in the soft tissue of the sheep’s nose….Can you imagine trying to breathe with a breeding factory for flies in your nostrils? The parasites would lodge themselves in the wool around the sheep’s eyes and face, causing skin disease and irritation. So the shepherd would cover the sheep’s head with oil. The oil provided a protective shield…. God, through His Word, wants to protect you from aggravation, lies, and deceit.” (p.64)
There is soooo much great information in this book to help you gain control of life stressors and who is sitting at your table. I will need to have more than one blogpost to review all of it. I highly recommend you get this book and add it to your library.
And, LORD willing, I will have part two for you next Monday!
Have a great week!
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